by David Morgan, Lawrence County Executive
Before there were cities, industries, or armies—there were farmers. Long before kings sat on thrones or merchants traded goods, people worked the land. In fact, the very first man, Adam, became a farmer after leaving the Garden of Eden. From the beginning of time, those who cultivated the earth have laid the foundation for every nation and community—including our own.
In Lawrence County, agriculture is the both the oldest and largest industry. The latest annual numbers show the total market value of farm products (crops + livestock) was $101.5 million.
That does not include the economic impact of our many farm-related businesses, which provide jobs and tax revenue.
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce sets aside a week each June to salute our agriculture industry. Lawrence County Extension and local sponsors help them put together a breakfast that honors a local farm that’s been in continuous operation 100+ years, and names an Agribusiness of the Year. Honorees were the Huntley Farm in the Revilo community, and Aviagen, a global poultry meat producer with a large presence here.
Both represent the evolution of agriculture and Lawrence County’s leading role in it. The Huntley Farm got its start with timber and corn, but is now devoted to beef cattle, part of the reason Lawrence County ranks 5th in the state for beef production. Eighty commercial poultry farms in Lawrence County partner with Aviagen, making Lawrence County 2nd in Tennessee for the production of Layers 20 weeks and older and Pullets for replacements.
We rank 6th in the state for corn production; 5th for soybeans; and 8th for wheat. We are 10th in the production of hay crops, and 19th in vegetable production. We rank in Tennessee’s top ten for farms selling directly to retailers, institutions, and food hubs.
The total amount of farmland in Lawrence County increased by 7,848 acres between 2017 and 2025, up from 230,393 to 238,241. Contrary to popular belief, the development of new farmland is outpacing development of industrial and residential properties here.
We also have the third highest number of young farmers in the state, at 194. There’s no data about how many are first-generation farmers like me, but I know there are others following an instinctive desire to grow and nurture plants and animals.
At least one older resident is enjoying his second act in agriculture and looks forward to selling his produce at the new Lawrenceburg Pavilion, one block south of the Square at 208 South Military Avenue. “Pavilion Produce” opens for business Tuesday, June 24, from 3 to 6 p.m., and will continue on that schedule for the rest of the growing season.
Wayne Hairrell, 85, is tending cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, yellow and zucchini squash, and an incredible 1,000 tomato plants. He grew up farming in Lawrence County, but was glad to leave it for the Navy when he was 17. “That was when you had to work six days a week, ten hours a day, for $3 a day.”
Hairrell later attended college and law school, and continues to work part-time as a local attorney. He says he’s returned to his roots with this enormous garden, which he has cultivated for many years now. “It’s good exercise, and I like to eat what I grow,” he said.
He hopes others will, too. The new Pavilion is a community project led by the Lawrence County Health Council, designed to enhance healthy living by hosting fresh produce sales and later, community events and exercise opportunities.
For vendor information, call 615-430-9501.
Read MoreLawrence County TN, Government
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